1 Chronicles 6:62

And to the sons of Gershom throughout their families out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.

And to the sons {H1121} of Gershom {H1647} throughout their families {H4940} out of the tribe {H4294} of Issachar {H3485}, and out of the tribe {H4294} of Asher {H836}, and out of the tribe {H4294} of Naphtali {H5321}, and out of the tribe {H4294} of Manasseh {H4519} in Bashan {H1316}, thirteen {H7969}{H6240} cities {H5892}.

The descendants of Gershom were assigned, clan by clan, thirteen cities from the tribes of Yissakhar, Asher, Naftali and M'nasheh in Bashan.

The Gershomites, according to their clans, were allotted thirteen cities from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh in Bashan.

And to the sons of Gershom, according to their families, out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.

Commentary

Context

This verse, 1 Chronicles 6:62, is part of a detailed genealogical record and an account of the organization of the Levites within ancient Israel. Chapter 6 specifically outlines the lineage of Levi, the priests, and the distribution of cities among the three main Levitical families: Kohath, Gershom, and Merari. The Levites, unlike the other tribes of Israel, did not receive a consolidated territorial inheritance. Instead, as ordained by God through Moses, they were allocated specific cities and surrounding pasturelands scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes. This particular verse concludes the listing of the thirteen cities given to the sons of Gershom from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the half-tribe of Manasseh located in Bashan.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Provision: The meticulous record of city assignments demonstrates God's precise and orderly plan for the nation of Israel. Even though the Levites had no tribal land, God ensured their provision and designated places to live and serve. This highlights God's faithful provision for His chosen servants.
  • Levitical Service and Dispersion: The distribution of the Levites throughout all the tribes was strategic. It allowed them to fulfill their crucial role as teachers of the Law, spiritual guides, and caretakers of the tabernacle/temple, making spiritual instruction and oversight accessible to all corners of Israel.
  • Fulfillment of Mosaic Law: This chapter, and specifically this verse, illustrates the faithful execution of God's commands regarding the Levites' inheritance, as first outlined in Numbers 35:7, where it states that 48 cities were to be given to them. The chronicler emphasizes the adherence to these divine instructions.

Linguistic Insights

The names of the tribes—Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh (in Bashan)—are specific geographical and tribal markers. The term "Gershom" (also spelled Gershon) means "a sojourner there," which is somewhat poignant given that the Gershomites, like all Levites, were "sojourners" distributed among the other tribes, without a consolidated tribal land inheritance of their own. Their identity was tied to service rather than a specific territory.

Practical Application

The detailed allocation of cities to the Levites, as seen in 1 Chronicles 6:62, offers timeless lessons:

  1. God's Orderly Design: It reminds us that God is a God of order, not chaos. He has a specific plan for His people and for the functioning of His kingdom, which includes providing for those who serve Him.
  2. Serving Where Placed: The Levites' dispersion teaches us the importance of serving God's purposes wherever we are situated. Rather than seeking a specific "inheritance" in worldly terms, believers are called to be salt and light in their communities, living out their faith and sharing God's truth wherever they are placed, much like each part of the body of Christ having a specific function.
  3. Reliance on God's Provision: The Levites' lack of a traditional land inheritance underscored their direct reliance on God and the tithes of the other tribes for their sustenance. This serves as a powerful reminder for believers to trust in God's provision in all circumstances.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 2:22

    And she bare [him] a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.

  • 1 Chronicles 6:71

    Unto the sons of Gershom [were given] out of the family of the half tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, and Ashtaroth with her suburbs:

  • 1 Chronicles 6:76

    And out of the tribe of Naphtali; Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, and Hammon with her suburbs, and Kirjathaim with her suburbs.

  • Joshua 21:27

    And unto the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the [other] half tribe of Manasseh [they gave] Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, [to be] a city of refuge for the slayer; and Beeshterah with her suburbs; two cities.

  • Joshua 21:33

    All the cities of the Gershonites according to their families [were] thirteen cities with their suburbs.
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